Diagnostic device

Abstract

A diagnostic device 1 for performing an immunochromatographic analysis of a sample is disclosed. The diagnostic device 1 comprises a porous substrate 10 for performing the analysis and a pre-filter 30 to remove solid components, such as solublised faeces or samples containing suspended organic material to prevent blocking of the porous substrate or coloured particles so that the test result is more clearly visible. The diagnostic device may include a container into which a sample may be provided, with the interior of the container being sealably connectable to the diagnostic section of the device. The porous section may be encapsulated within a housing.

1. A diagnostic system for performing an immunochromatographic analysis of a sample, the system comprising:
 a filter operable to receive a sample to be tested, 
 a dosing portion that contacts the filter to receive a predetermined volume of a sample from the filter, and 
 a porous substrate having a visually detectable indicator arranged to bind to a ligand or other material being tested for in the sample, 
 wherein, 
 the system is configured so that the filter acts on the sample before a predetermined volume of the sample enters the dosing portion, and the dosing portion is configured to come into contact with the porous substrate to deliver the predetermined volume of the sample to the porous substrate. 
 
     
     
       2. The diagnostic device according to  claim 1 , wherein the filter is hydrophilic. 
     
     
       3. The diagnostic system according to  claim 1 , wherein the dosing portion is moved out of contact with the filter when the dosing portion is in contact with the porous substrate.